Three-year-old girl slain crossing 82nd Ave.

82nd Ave. was shut down most of the afternoon on December 5 while authorities investigate the tragic accident that took the life of a child.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two girls, a three-year-old, being pushed in a stroller, and a five-year-old, walking with her 29-year-old mother, were crossing SE 82nd Ave. of Roses, heading east, across toward Boyer St. when the youngest girl was struck and killed on December 5.

On scene, Sgt. Walter Anderson, Oregon State Police told us, “The vehicle was traveling west on Boyer, making a left hand turn on 82nd Ave. It came into contact with the children. The three-year-old was deceased at the scene. The five-year-old was transported to the hospital with injuries. The mother was untouched.”

The stroller in which the 3-year-old was riding, and some of the family’s belongings remain behind the vehicle said to have struck the youngster.

Anderson said two nurses, in separate vehicles, stopped immediately after the accident. “They unsuccessfully attempted CPR on the 3-year-old. The 5-year old was taken to the hospital; a Spanish speaking trooper traveled with the girl and her mother.”

The Sergeant said it looked as if the five-year-old girl would recover; information later released said the girl was in serious condition.

Following up on the incident, we learned from OSP Sgt. Tom Worthy that Darrell Beffert, 54, of Clackamas, was the driver. “He stopped and cooperated with troopers and deputies.” According to witnesses, Worthy said, the mother and children were in the crosswalk and were crossing with the light. He added that Beffert was not intoxicated. No citations have been issued.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s accident investigators worked with Oregon State Police investigate this tragic accident.

“It all happened so fast,” said Marg Stewart, who said she saw the accident from inside the restaurant on the corner. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over seeing that little girl lying in the street. They tried to save her.”

The accident, a block south of SE King St., stopped all southbound traffic for the afternoon.